Significant Investment Programme Delivers Major Improvements at North Devon College

North Devon College is preparing to welcome students for the new academic year following a major programme of improvements across its Barnstaple campus this summer. The College has already invested more than £800,000 in its facilities as part of a wider multi-million-pound investment programme, with significant funding committed for this academic year and further improvements planned.
More than 30 improvement projects have been delivered alongside almost 100 room moves, creating improved teaching, learning and social spaces for students and staff ahead of the start of term.

The investment comes as North Devon College prepares to welcome students for its first September under its new identity. The College became North Devon College in January as part of the Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, meaning this will be the first time students begin an academic year at the newly named college.

Students starting or returning this September will see improvements including:
• A refurbished on-site sports hall, gym and changing facilities
• A new commercial spa facility and new commercial ovens for its student-run restaurant, The Taw, both of which will open to the public this year
• New student social and study spaces, including a new A Level study suite and covered outdoor social hub
• A new supported study suite where learners can access learning and study support from specialist SEND staff
• Two new performing arts studios and a new digital suite for creative subjects
• A new “Extra Hub” in the centre of the College to support its new extracurricular, academies and careers offer

These improvements are just the start of a longer-term investment programme in North Devon College, with new builds, enhancements and extensions planned across the campus in the years ahead. The investment is focused on continuing to enhance the student experience at North Devon College, from the classrooms and workshops where students learn, to the social spaces and facilities they use throughout the college day. Sustainability has also been an important consideration throughout the summer programme. Improvements include installing more than 2,400 carbon-neutral carpet tiles and 125 square metres of sustainable flooring produced using renewable electricity, alongside the use of environmentally friendly paint and recycled construction materials, including steel and regenerated flooring products.

Jade Otty, Group Deputy CEO of Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, said: “This September marks an exciting milestone for North Devon College. We want every student arriving on campus to see the ambition we have for their college reflected in the environment in which they learn, socialise and spend their time. The improvements delivered this summer are an important first step in our longer-term commitment to investing in North Devon College, our students and their experience. We have ambitious plans for the college and there is much more to come as we continue to build on the strengths of North Devon and create even greater opportunities for our learners and our community.”

John Laramy CBE DL, Group Principal and CEO of Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, said: “It’s been fantastic to see the improvements happening at North Devon College this summer, and I’m confident that our students and staff will really notice the benefits when term starts this September.We want to be an exceptional college group, and a huge part of that is offering the best possible teaching and learning opportunities for young people and communities across North Devon. With more investment and improvements to come, I’m really positive about what the future has in store for North Devon College.”

The summer programme is the latest stage in North Devon College’s plans to continue investing in and modernising its campus, ensuring its facilities meet the needs of students, staff and employers now and in the future.
Whether studying A Levels, T Levels, vocational qualifications, apprenticeships or higher education, students joining North Devon College this September will benefit from improved facilities alongside specialist teaching and support to help them progress towards their next steps.

Discover North Devon College at an upcoming Open Event. Register now: Open Events – North Devon College